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DRAWSKO POMORSKIE, Poland – The 7th Army Training Command’s Joint Multinational Simulation Center (JMSC) recently delivered a fires support coordination exercise (FSCX) simulation at the Drawsko Combat Training Center for the forward deployed 2nd Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment (2-13 CAV), 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT), 1st Armored Division.
This exercise showcased another successful deployment of JMSC’s simulations capability to rotational forces and highlighted JMSC’s commitment to bringing high-quality training directly to units in the European theater.
While the JMSC is located at Grafenwoehr, Germany, it is rapidly expanding its support to rotational units as the units accelerate training timelines set by U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF).
For this training, the 2-13 CAV platoon leadership executed multiple iterations of the FSCX lanes utilizing the Virtual Battlespace 3 (VBS3) simulation.
The scenario focused on integrating artillery, mortars and attack aviation, with platoon leadership and platoon/troop forward observers honing their collective skills and relationships.
Lt. Col. Michael Patti, commander of 2-13 CAV, explained that he has “seen Soldiers push themselves the hardest ever in their lives” during this European rotation, and the addition of the simulation provided more rigor and realism into their already robust training progression.
He noted that, “every platoon got better at maneuvering and synchronizing fires at the same time” while conducting the VBS3 exercise, achieving the simple yet focused training objective.
Simulated training like VBS3 provides a safe environment for learning and innovation, particularly for junior leaders.
“The biggest benefit of the simulation is that there is no harm in being wrong,” said Capt. Edward Li, the lead exercise planner for 2-13 CAV.
This freedom to experiment and learn from simulated mistakes allows for the identification of gaps and ultimately fosters growth, especially when training objectives are clearly defined.
This FSCX exercise was intentionally focused on a single, simple goal: synchronizing artillery support during platoon maneuvers. Patti said he wanted “the simple feedback of artillery splashing while we were maneuvering platoons.” To emphasize that focus, the direct fire capabilities on the simulated Bradley Fighting Vehicles were disabled.
Capt. Timothy Donnely, commander, Comanche Troop, 2-13 CAV, saw this as a positive training scenario, and said it “will be great for focusing the training.”
Prior to the FSCX, 2-13 CAV conducted a rigorous Spur Ride that saw troopers walk more than 60 miles in two days. The unit did not allow this physical challenge to hinder their simulated training.
“We are trying to outpace our adversary so we must be faster and more effective,” Li said, adding that maintaining the initiative is crucial, even when tired and short on time.
Patti echoed this sentiment saying the enemy wouldn’t care about his troops’ fatigue, so they need to train with that in mind.
Tom Cochran, the lead simulations instructor from JMSC’s Mission Training Complex, confirmed the 2-13 CAV team’s clear intent allowed them to eliminate distractions and prioritize the training objective. He added that the unit demonstrated remarkable resilience, allowing them to maintain focus despite the demands of the Spur Ride.
Looking ahead, 2-13 CAV will continue its training progression in Poland, honing their skills up to the squadron level.
In addition to the FSCX and over the past nine months, JMSC has supported other rotational unit exercises including a 3rd ABCT, 4th Infantry Div. command post exercise (CPX) in Poland, a 1st Cavalry Division Artillery intelligence/fires exercise also in Poland, and a CPX for 3rd BCT, 10th Mountain Division as they prepared for their initial Transformation in Contact (TiC) rotation at 7ATC’s Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany.
JMSC also is supporting the planning and execution of multiple upcoming events such as the multi-corps exercise Avenger Triad, a V Corps’ Warfighter exercise, the Republic of Georgia’s Agile Spirit exercise, and multiple brigade-and-below exercises that are focused on supporting TiC initiatives and increasing unit proficiency on new tools, such as Maven Smart Systems.
JMSC leverages several unique capabilities to support these efforts including realistic scenario development, a professional opposing force, a simulated Global News Network, joint and multinational tools including the Joint Live, Virtual and Constructive (JLVC) Federation, and networking solutions to stimulate supported unit’s ‘go to war’ systems and processes—ultimately enhancing alliance interoperability and readiness.
As USAREUR-AF refines and augments its training focus informed by the current battlespace, precision-designed simulations are critical for replicating the complexities of the operating environment.
This deliberate approach ensures readiness and decisive advantage on the battlefield. JMSC continues to provide realistic and relevant multi-echelon training to U.S. forces and partners in the European theater.
Article and Photos by Capt. Benjamin Burnum, exercise planner, with Joint Multinational Simulation Center's Grafenwoehr Mission Training Center,
| Date Taken: | 05.27.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 05.28.2025 10:47 |
| Story ID: | 498916 |
| Location: | DRAWSKO POMORSKIE, PL |
| Web Views: | 122 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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